Rosa DeLauro

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to join Rabbi Herbert Brockman and the many friends and families who have gathered to celebrate the 165th Anniversary of Congregation Mishkan Israel. Marking its 165th anniversary, Mishkan Israel is the oldest continuing congregation in New England and the 14th oldest synagogue in the United States. This milestone is a very special occasion, not only for the administration and members of the congregation, but for our community as well. First established in 1840 by a group of Bavarian Jews fleeing economic and social oppression, services, conducted in German and Hebrew, were held over the Heller & Mendelbaum Store in New Haven, Connecticut. A short time later, the congregation purchased the Third Congregational Church building which remained its home until 1897 when the temple on Orange and Audubon Streets was dedicated. With the continued growth of the congregation, the synagogue made its final move in 1960 to its present home on Ridge Road in Hamden. The strength and continuity of a congregation is dependent, not only on its membership, but on its leadership as well. Since its earliest days when it was the first synagogue to be dedicated by Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, who later became the leader of American Reform Judaism, Congregation Mishkan Israel has had a strong tradition of active leadership. Generation after generation, the rabbis who have come to Mishkan Israel have shared a passion for social justice--both here at home and throughout the world. In the 1870s, Rabbi Judah Wechsler opened the Torah to women, first allowing female confirmants to read from the sacred text; Rabbi Edgar Siskin became the first rabbi to be appointed to Yale University's faculty and helped to found Yale Hillel; and in the decades of the civil rights movement, Rabbi Robert Goldburg was an active champion of social justice protesting communism and inviting a myriad of speakers from Norman Cousins to The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. to address the congregation. Today, Rabbi Herbert Brockman upholds this legacy. Under his leadership, Mishkan Israel has opened its doors to the Urban Youth Center, a program for inner-city middle school children and sponsored the settlement of seven Russian Jewish emigrant families in New Haven. In addition to its active leadership, members of Mishkan Israel have long been known for their endless contributions to the community. Volunteerism has always been strong force within the congregation and, through their compassion and generosity, the congregation has touched the lives of thousands over the years. Whether tending to the ill, volunteering at the local military hospital, purchasing Liberty Bonds during World War I, or participating in the Pe'ah Project, which provides over a ton of vegetables from a congregant-run garden to area soup kitchens--the members of Mishkan Israel have shown a unique dedication to enriching our community. Our houses of worship play a vital role in our communities--providing people with a place to turn to for comfort when they are most in need. In over a century, there have been many who have worshiped within their halls and many who have found peace and strength in the outstretched arms of Mishkan Israel. Throughout its history, Mishkan Israel has been an invaluable institution in the Greater New Haven Jewish community. It is with honor and the deepest thanks and appreciation for all of their good work that I stand today to pay tribute to Congregation Mishkan Israel as they celebrate their 165th Anniversary. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on our community and a legacy that will live on for generations to come.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose the Boozman amendment. This amendment is an unwise attempt by special interests to interfere in an ongoing regulatory and legal process. It is designed to further erode safety on America's highways while rewarding companies such as Wal Mart. In April 2003 the Transportation Department promulgated a rule that gives truckers substantially more time on the road. Among other features, the rule allows truck drivers to log as many as 14 consecutive hours driving. This is an unsafe schedule, and it is little wonder that the truckers and highway safety advocates were united in their opposition to this rule. It is also little wonder that the D.C. Court of Appeals found the rule ``arbitrary and capricious because the agency neglected to consider a statutorily mandated factor--the impact of the rule on the health of drivers.'' As a result, DOT is now reviewing this rule in a public, transparent proceeding. Now we are considering an amendment that would eliminate the one safety enhancement included in that 2003 rule. This amendment would allow truckers to deduct meal time and other short ``break periods'' from their time on the road, essentially allowing them to drive 16 consecutive hours. And once again, the truck drivers and highway safety advocates are united in their opposition. The legal effect of this amendment is simply to lengthen the work day for truckers and shorten their rest time, without providing any improvement for safety. In fact, all the amendment does is create a loophole to extend the workday of short-haul truckers--not provide them with the opportunity for real rest. Mr. Chairman, I support the underlying legislation, in part because one of the goals of the Interstate Highway System is to improve safety on our roads. This amendment goes in the opposite direction, and I therefore oppose its adoption.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, Budgets are moral documents, which reflect the values and priorities of our nation. Drawing from my own faith, the Catholic Bishops have stated, ``The obligation to provide justice for all means that the poor have the single most urgent economic claim on the conscience of the nation.'' The more I hear this Administration's justification for the harsh decisions within their budget, the more I believe that there is no justification. This budget simply reflects the wrong values and priorities. That is why I would like to enter for today's Record a joint statement by the leaders of five mainline Protestant denominations representing over 20 million followers in the United States. These religious leaders today called President Bush's 2006 federal budget ``unjust.'' The statement is signed by: the Most Reverend Frank Griswold, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church USA, the Right Reverend Mark Hanson, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, the Reverend Dr. Clifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (USA), United Church of Christ General Minister and President John H. Thomas, and James Winkler, General Secretary of the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church. Joint Statement Washington, DC, Mar. 8, 2005.--We are preachers, and so, in explaining our opposition to the 2006 Federal Budget that President Bush has sent to Congress, it seems only fitting that we should begin with Scripture. There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satify his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, ``Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames'' The passage comes from 16th chapter of the Gospel according to Luke, and it contains a warning that should deeply trouble those of us who live in a wealthy nation. As the story continues, the rich man implores Abraham to raise Lazarus from the dead and send him to the house of his brothers so that they may be spared his torment. ``They have Moses and the prophets,'' Abraham replies. ``They should listen to them.'' The rich man says, ``No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.'' And Abraham answers, ``If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'' In telling this story, Jesus makes clear that perpetrating economic injustice is among the gravest of sins. Yet self- interest is so deeply ingrained in each one of us, he says, that we will not renounce it, even should someone rise from the dead. Jesus was right about that. It was he who rose from the dead to save us from greed and myriad other sins. Yet those who have much continue feasting, even as those who have little remain at their gates. Like many Americans, we read our daily newspaper through the lens of faith, and when we see injustice, it is our duty to say so. The 2006 Federal Budget that President Bush has sent to Capitol Hill is unjust. It has much for the rich man and little for Lazarus. According to the White House's own numbers, this budget would move 300,000 people off food stamps in the next five years. It would cut the funds that allow 300,000 children to receive day care. It would reduce funding for Medicaid by $45 billion over the next ten years, and this at a time when 45 million Americans--the highest level on record--are already without health insurance. These cuts would be alarming in any circumstances, but in the context of the 2006 budget, they are especially troubling. For even as it reduces aid to those in poverty, this budget showers presents on the rich. If passed in its current form, it would make permanent tax cuts that have bestowed nearly three quarters of the ``relief'' on one-fifth of the country. If passed in its current form, it would include whopping new cuts that would benefit, almost exclusively, those with household incomes of more than $200,000 per year. If passed in its current form, it would take Jesus' teaching on economic justice and stands it on its head. Some contend that these cuts will stimulate the economy and improve life for all Americans, but we believe that stocking the rich man's larder is a peculiar strategy for getting Lazarus more food. Not only does this policy rest on dubious economic assumptions, but it asks the poor to pay the cost for a prosperity in which they may never share. Some contend that works of mercy are not the business of the government but of private citizens. But in what other area of our national life do we formulate policies uninformed by our deepest values? Some contend that with the proper support faith-based charities will step forward to fill the gap created by the government's retreat. But this flies in the face of the lessons that we, as religious leaders, have learned first hand. Our churches operate thousands of charities from the parochial to the international. Believe us when we tell you that neither we, nor our Evangelical brothers and sisters, nor our friends of other faiths have anywhere near the resources to turn back the rising tide of poverty in this country. We know that programs, whether governmental or non- profit, can change people's lives for the better. New situations challenge us to respond to new conditions and to support those who are in transition out of poverty. Sadly, the 2006 budget will send more people searching for food in cupboards that, quite frequently, are bare. Our churches will continue their ameliorative ministries. But it is not enough for us as a Church or a society to be merciful. We must remember the admonition of the prophet Micah. ``And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God?'' Micah's choice of verbs is instructive. We are not to love justice or preach justice, we are to do justice--to act, and, when necessary, to struggle. We urge the members of our churches, of other churches and other faiths, and all whose conscience compels them to do justice to join us in opposing this budget. Write to your representatives. Write to your local newspaper. Join the organizations working to obtain justice for the 36 million Americans living below the poverty line, the 45 million without health insurance and the unknown millions struggling to keep their families from slipping into these ever increasing ranks. Together, let us pledge ourselves to creating a nation in which economic policies are infused with the spirit of the man who began his public ministry almost 2,000 years ago by proclaiming that God had anointed him ``to bring good news to the poor.'' Signed by: The Most Reverend Frank T. Griswold, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, USA. The Right Reverend Mark Hanson, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The Reverend Dr. Clifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A.). The Reverend John H. Thomas, General Minister and President, United Church of Christ. Mr. James Winkler, General Secretary, General Board of Church and Society, United Methodist Church.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, the outsourcing of good-paying American jobs to other countries is a crisis that touches every community in the United States. Up to half a million jobs have been outsourced over the past 3 years to countries like China, India, and Mexico. This at a time when there are 8 million Americans out of work. Americans now understand that outsourcing negatively impacts every segment of our economy. Not only have 2.7 million jobs been lost in our once-vibrant manufacturing sector since the beginning of this administration but white collar jobs are being offshored as well. According to one report, 181,000 computer jobs will be moved offshore by the end of 2005. Last year, State and local governments outsourced $10 billion of public projects. What we are witnessing today is a full-scale erosion of the American workforce, with millions seeking skills to improve their current employment situation. This bill undermines our job training system and our economy alike. This motion seeks to provide assistance to veterans, provide workers who lost their jobs to outsourcing with job training assistance, allowances to relocate to where they can find work and other forms of income support. This bill destroys the functioning elements of our job training system. It does not, quote, improve our delivery of these vital services for unemployed Americans. I urge my colleagues to support this motion to recommit.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to join the many alumni, families, and community members who have gathered today to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Derby, Connecticut's Cub Scout Pack 3. This is a tremendous milestone for this outstanding organization and I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize the many invaluable contributions they have made to our community. The legacy of Derby's Pack 3 begins with three Senior Patrol Leaders of Boy Scout Troop 3, who took on the challenge of creating a program for younger boys interested in Scouting. Because the Boy Scouts of America did not offer such a venue at the time, Manuel Pearson, Francis Barron, and Edmund Strang initially based their program on the English Cubbing program. Three years later, the Boy Scouts of America announced their intentions to adopt a new cubbing program and Pack 3 was officially registered as one of the country's first Cub groups. In fact, Cub Pack 3 has been recognized by the Boy Scouts of America as the Nation's third oldest continuously running pack. With participants ranging in age from eight to ten years old, the Cub Scouts program instills an invaluable life lesson in these youngsters-- the value in serving their communities--a lesson that they will certainly carry with them through their adult and professional lives. From food drives and fundraisers to fire safety training and community activities, they have a direct and positive impact on the lives of others and their community. It is not just the variety of programs and services these youngsters participate in throughout our community that makes Pack 3 so special. It is the scouting tradition that exists within the Pack itself. Generations of families have begun their scouting experience in Pack 3, with many alumni continuing to stay active in the Pack as adults by becoming committee members, webelos leaders, den leaders, and cubmasters. Just as an example, the eleven Pack 3 officers have an average thirty-three and a half years of service in cubbing. The dedication they have to this organization is a testament to the impact of their own Cub Scout experience. The strength and longevity of Pack 3 would not be possible without the incredible leadership they have had throughout the course of their history. Founder Ed Strang was only a junior in high school when he first took on the cubbing program as a Senior Patrol Leader. As soon as he was able, Ed became the cubmaster--a position which he held for the better part of sixty-four years. When he was no longer able, Ed turned the reins over to current cubmaster Dan Cyrul who was himself an Eagle Scout with Troop 3. Though Ed is no longer with us, his commitment, generosity, and compassionate spirit will always be reflected in the good work of Pack 3. Today, as they celebrate their 75th Anniversary, alumni and community members will reflect on what Cub Scout Pack 3 has brought to this community and their own lives. Touching the lives of thousands, Pack 3 has left an indelible mark on the City of Derby and I have no doubt that this strong tradition will continue for generations to come. It is with great pride that I rise today to extend my sincere congratulations to Derby's Cub Scout Pack 3 on their 75th Anniversary and to extend my very best wishes for many more years of successful service to the community.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join the many family and friends who have gathered to celebrate the 1OOth birthday of one of our community's most outstanding citizens and my dear friend, Annie Sellers. Since she came to New Haven in 1958, Annie has been an active member of the community--especially with our senior citizens. Our communities would not be the same without the efforts of those who volunteer their time and energies to make a difference. Advocate, champion, and friend--Annie has always been there to assist those in need. I have been fortunate enough to know Annie for many years and have always been proud to work with her. Her friendship, to both myself and my mother, has meant more to us than words could ever express. As the founder and director of the Farnum Senior Center, Annie's contributions to the New Haven community have been invaluable. Our seniors face so many challenges which is why organizations like the Farnum Senior Center are so important. Annie recognized this need within her own community and created a place where the seniors of Farnum Courts could gather together--a place where they could discuss issues of importance to them, receive information on the programs and services that are available to them, and where they would always find an advocate ready to meet their needs. It is because of people like Annie--true leaders--that the voices of our seniors never go unheard. In addition to her work within the Farnum Courts community, Annie has also been an active member of the National Council of Senior Citizens, the National Association of Mature People, and the National Tenants Organization. A member of the Faith Missionary Baptist Church in West Haven for nearly fifty years, she has held various leadership positions within the congregation as well. All of this, and Annie still found the time to raise twelve children of her own and act as a foster mother to numerous other children. Through her compassion, love, and generosity, Annie has quietly touched the lives of many and left an indelible mark on our community. Through all of her good work, Annie brings a very special gift to our community--that of hope and inspiration. That is why I am proud to stand today to join her twelve children; thirty grandchildren, fifty- nine great-grandchildren; and thirty-five great-great-grandchildren; family, friends, and the New Haven community in marking this remarkable milestone--the 100th birthday of Annie Sellers. Marking a century of life, this very special occasion reflects her extraordinary resilience and strength of spirit. She is a true community treasure--Happy Birthday, Annie!

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join Speaker James Amann of the Connecticut House of Representatives and Mayor James Richetelli of Milford, Connecticut as they recognize one of the Milford community's brightest stars--Christy Carlson Romano. A literal star of both stage and screen, Christy is a Milford native who has not only shown that talent and hard work can bring great fame and success, but more importantly, how one can use their celebrity to positively impact the lives of others. Christy is perhaps best known for her current roles on the Disney Channel's ``Even Stevens'' and for lending her voice to the animated series ``Kim Possible.'' Acting since she was six years old, at only twenty, Christy has developed an extensive background in both theater and screen acting. Her dedication to her craft has given this remarkable young woman a highly respected reputation--especially among her young fans. However, it is not just her fame that makes Christy such a tremendous role model for young people. Her commitment to her education is a real source of inspiration. This is even more evident when you consider that she has spent the majority of her life balancing both a career and a rigorous academic course load. At twelve she was on the dais of ``The Presidents Summit for America's Future'' where she met three former U.S. Presidents and as a high school junior she participated in the National Leadership Conference. Today she is a sophomore at Columbia University's Barnard College majoring in Political Science and has already completed a congressional internship with Senator Dodd. In addition to her challenging schedule with her career and studies, Christy still finds time to be active with numerous charitable organizations. The Will Rogers Foundation, the Make a Wish Foundation, the Connecticut Leukemia Society, and the Child Safety Network are just a handful of the groups with which Christy has and continues to be involved. Her good work has certainly touched the lives of many. Too often, the extraordinary contributions of young people are overlooked. Christy is a shining example of the tremendous impact young people can have on their communities and the lives of others. That is why it is fitting that Christy is honored with the first ``Connecticut's Finest Award'' and that today will be proclaimed ``Christy Carlson Romano Day'' in Milford. Through Christy's extraordinary contributions both on-screen and off, she has become a true role model for young people everywhere. I am pleased to stand today to join her parents, Sharon and Anthony, her sisters Marcella and Jennifer, her brother Anthony, Jr., Speaker Amann, Mayor Richetelli, family, friends, and fans in recognizing Christy Carlson Romano for her outstanding professional and personal achievements. She is truly one of Connecticut's finest.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution as we honor the contributions and accomplishments of the nearly 8,000 Catholic schools in our Nation, 75 in my diocese, that altogether shape the lives of nearly 2.5 million of America's young people. Like so many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I am a product of Catholic school, having attended it from elementary school to college. It was there, from the nuns, the good nuns at St. Louis Elementary School, Laurelton Hall, and Marymount College that I learned to nourish my mind and my heart; to reach out, to work hard, to fulfill my potential and be whatever I wanted to be. But Catholic school also taught me to nourish my community, my neighbors, to give something back to my world, to the people of that world. It was that lifetime of Catholic education, from kindergarten through college, that in no small way moved me to serve the larger community, instilling in me a commitment to the issues that have always been central to my faith, issues such as jobs and education, child tax credit, homelessness, and protecting our environment. Many of the values we were taught at Catholic school, values such as promoting the common good and peace, economic policies that include all children and families, and taking care of one another, formed the basis of many legislative accomplishments in public policy throughout the last century, particularly since Franklin Roosevelt. The results for programs like Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid, home loan mortgage assistance, housing for the elderly, the GI Bill, all have their roots in the Judeo-Christian traditions we were taught in Catholic schools. Those are the ideals Catholic school instilled in me: a commitment to the moral purposes of government, a shared responsibility, which could not be clearer when we stand before the challenge of the poor and the less fortunate, who, as the Catholic bishops have stated, ``have the single most urgent economic claim on the conscience of a nation.'' I could not concur more. And this week that the House honors Catholic schools, I join my colleagues in recognizing the contributions of so many dedicated teachers, guidance counselors, and school staff that have provided millions of Americas with the framework necessary to become a productive, moral, and compassionate citizen within our increasingly diverse society. And for that, I, along with so many others, am eternally grateful.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act, legislation introduced today by the entire Long Island Sound Caucus. There have been a lot of disputes and arguments between Connecticut and New York about Long Island Sound over the years. And there are still some issues out there, but this bill sets the right tone for the debates that we may have about the Sound this year. This legislation is desperately needed. The Long Island Sound is among the most sensitive natural resources in the Nation. Ten percent of the country's population lives within 50 miles of the Sound. The shoreline is highly developed, which makes it tough to balance habitat maintenance, water quality and access to the Sound. The Sound is also a vital commercial area, providing an economic benefit of more than $5 billion to the economy of the region. If enacted, the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act will be a model public-private partnership that will improve management of one of the country's most important estuaries. The bill will protect some of the area's most threatened shoreline, using good science--not politics--as the means of directing federal and state dollars. Participation in the stewardship program is voluntary, meaning that private property owners' rights will be respected. Our bill brings together the Sound's numerous stakeholders--fishermen, conservationists, property owners and recreational users--to ensure that the Long Island Sound cleanup continues for generations to come. I urge my colleagues to allow this legislation to be considered during the 109th Congress.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join family, friends, and colleagues in congratulating Louise Amato as she celebrates her retirement after twenty-six dedicated years at Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES). For me, Louise is more than just a dear friend--she is my cousin. I am honored to have this opportunity to pay tribute to all of the good work she has done throughout her professional career. Education is the cornerstone of success and the most critical link between our young people and their futures. Throughout our country, we look to our towns and cities to provide these invaluable skills to our children. ACES is one of six educational service centers that were formed under Connecticut State Statute in 1970. A result of recognizing that school districts must work together to meet the ever changing needs of local education systems, these centers provide an environment where quality programs can be planned, developed and implemented-- giving our young people access to the best educational opportunities possible. The real success behind ACES can be attributed to the unparalleled dedication and commitment of its administration and its staff. I have often spoke of our nation's need for talented, creative educators ready to help our children learn and grow. In her twenty-six years with ACES, Louise has been just that kind of teacher. She has spent her career working with special needs students to develop the life skills they would need to live and work in the community. She went even further, helping graduating seniors to develop plans for their future after high school, helping others with job placement, bringing students to visit job and community sites, and even taking some to visit colleges. Louise was always looking for different ways to get her students excited about their futures. She has taken her students to New York City and one of my fondest memories of my congressional career was when she brought a group of seniors to Washington, DC, where I had the opportunity to meet with them. Her unique approach to helping these young people develop important skills made a real difference in their lives because she opened the doors of opportunity to them. Louise gave a very special gift to all her students--the promise of a meaningful and productive future. Through her generosity and kindness, Louise has touched the lives of all who know her--though none know more so than her students. In recognition of her many years of outstanding service, I am proud to stand today to join her husband, Gabe; her children, Cheryl, Laurie, and Mark; family, friends, and colleagues in congratulating Louise Amato on the occasion of her retirement. Our thanks and appreciation will never match the gifts of friendship and inspiration she has given to all of those who have had the opportunity to know her.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join family, friends, colleagues, and the Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital in recognizing an outstanding member of our community, Elizabeth A. Demir. After more than a decade of leadership, Ms. Demir will step down as chair of the Parenting Support Programs at the Children's Hospital. Too often, young pregnant women are alone and have very little support. Through the Friends of Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital, Ms. Demir founded the ``Bright Beginnings'' program as a way to reach out to these young women to ensure that they stayed in school, held onto jobs, had a safe home environment, were protective of their health care, and developed good parenting skills. ``Bright Beginnings'' is a volunteer-based program which pairs young pregnant women with mentors who can help them share their concerns about parenthood. While its primary goal is to make sure that the women and babies receive regular medical care, it also includes education about how to detect and prevent health problems and childhood accidents as well as the importance of early intellectual stimulation of infants and toddlers. The program also teaches young mothers how to set personal goals and increase confidence. It has been an invaluable tool to many young women facing the often daunting challenges of becoming a parent. Building on the ``Bright Beginnings'' program, Ms. Demir is also responsible for its expansion into three additional parenting programs--Home Visiting, Nurturing Connections, and Parenting Group. Each of these programs is uniquely designed to meet the needs of young, under-served families--making a real difference in the lives of both mother and child. Ms. Demir has long been the driving force behind the success of theses programs. Her enthusiasm and energy is unparalleled. Program developer, chief photographer, truck driver or board chair, Ms. Demir has done anything and everything to ensure that each of these invaluable programs are available to those in need. From leading a board meeting to getting down on the floor with a room full of six-month old children dressed like pumpkins, her deep commitment to young mothers and their children has left an indelible mark on our community. In recognition of her tireless efforts, generosity, and compassion, I am proud to stand today and extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Elizabeth A. Demir. Though her departure marks the end of her tenure as chair of the Parenting Support Programs, I have little doubt that Ms. Demir will continue to make a difference in our community.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great sadness as we honor our dear friend and colleague, Congressman Bob Matsui, who passed away this New Year's Day. I always say that it is a privilege to serve in this body. But for 25 years, it was this institution that was privileged-- privileged to call Bob Matsui one of its Members. He was a compassionate man dedicated to his constituents and family, and resolute in his ideals. Each of us knows the adroit knowledge of Congress Bob possessed--from his grasp of tax and trade law intricacies, to his drive for basic social justice, to his tireless opposition to those who would weaken Social Security's guarantee. He was not only smart--he was also principled, and he used both to the fullest throughout his illustrious quarter-century in public life. I know he would have relished the forthcoming debate to fundamentally reform Social Security, to which he surely would have brought the same passion and intelligence he took to his efforts to help his party over the years. As was the case with all things he put his mind to, win or lose, whatever the battle--whether it was welfare reform, Social Security or his chairmanship of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee--the level of discourse was elevated when Bob Matsui added his voice to the debate. At a time when the tenor of politics in our country has become so abrasive, what Bob Matsui offered was a precious commodity indeed. On a personal note, I always felt a close bond to Bob, as we were both children of immigrant parents--his from Japan, mine from Italy. He spoke of how spending the first 5 years of his life in a Japanese internment camp haunted him for the rest of his life. But the experience unquestionably gave him a lifelong commitment to civil rights and social justice. It gave him a genuine empathy for people that one could trace from his friendships to his work on issues like trade, welfare and retirement security. He was, in the truest sense of the word, a patriot--someone for whom America meant the promise of a better life for one's family and community. As such, Bob Matsui will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on for generations. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise with the heaviest of hearts. For the past week, our thoughts and prayers have been with the victims and survivors of the tsunami in the Indian Ocean. From Malaysia to East Africa, the death toll has climbed to a staggering 150,000, with tens of thousands still missing. At least 5 million people are displaced from their homes and many face the risk of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, E. coli, and salmonella in the very near term. It is a natural disaster of Biblical proportions. As such, the community of nations is coming together to assist the recovery efforts. Governments from around the world have already offered more than $2 billion in aid to countries hit by the disaster. Private citizens are also doing their part--since the tsunami struck, donations from Americans have poured in to relief organizations, with more to come. Just yesterday, President Bush announced that former Presidents Bush and Clinton would head an effort to encourage more American citizens and businesses to donate to nongovernment and international organizations working to provide immediate relief and to help with long-term reconstruction in the affected areas. Our participation tells the world that we understand the gravity of this situation--as Americans and as humanitarians alike. With destruction so complete--so terrifyingly final--in many of these areas, our leadership shows them that we understand, the nature of our role in this relief effort--and that our commitment will be long-term. Just as the nations of the world came to our side after the tragedy of September 11, so, too, is it our moral duty to help these nations in their time of desperate need. And so today, overwhelmed with emotion regarding the disaster, we extend our helping hand and express our deepest sympathies to the people of these nations, who have lost more than words can ever say. They are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. DeLAURO

Mr. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall no. 543, Technical corrections in the enrollment of the Bill H.R. 4818, I was absent due to a medical family emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Boston Red Sox on their historic World Series Championship, and I want to thank my colleague from Massachusetts, Mr. Capuano, for his continued--and, I might add, longstanding--leadership on this issue. I must admit this moment is somewhat bittersweet. As a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees, winners of 26 titles and 6 American League East division titles in a row, I had become accustomed to the annual October routine of dispatching the Red Sox--often in the most heartbreaking of fashions. As such, I have always treasured moments like Bucky Dent hitting his game-winning home run off Mike Torrez in a sudden death playoff game against the Red Sox in 1978. Last year had been particularly satisfying, as the Yankees had triumphed over the Red Sox in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series with Aaron Boone's extra-inning homerun after having stormed back against a seemingly dominant Pedro Martinez. And this year, the Yankees seemed poised yet again to break the collective heart of Red Sox Nation--having outmaneuvered Boston to trade for Alex Rodriguez in the off-season before staking a three- games-to-none lead in the American League Championship. No baseball team had ever come back from a three-game deficit in a best-of-seven series. And with a crippling injury to Curt Schilling's ankle in Game 1 and a 19-to-8 drubbing of the Red Sox at Fenway Park in Game 3, it seemed once again that the fabled Curse of the Bambino would be making its annual devastating appearance. Yet then, the impossible happened--in what even this ardent Yankee fan must admit was thrilling, historic fashion, the Red Sox won the next 4 games and the series. And so, with their defeat of not only the Yankees but also their commanding 4-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals, I join my New England colleagues in congratulating the Boston Red Sox for rewarding the fans of Red Sox Nation with their first World Series title in 86 years. I, for one, will miss the ``Nineteen-Eighteen'' chants for sure, but life will go on. Even if the Red Sox are the very best baseball team in the world right now, I know that a return to Yankee domination is but 4 short months away. So, we will give you this one. Let me again thank my colleagues--I can only hope that they will join me here next year as we return to our annual practice congratulating the Yankees.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a colleague and friend who passed away this week--someone who left a profound mark on his community, his Nation and this institution. No one could deny the dedication and passion that Tom Foglietta brought to life--whether it was for working people, for friends or for our friends in the international community. He was special--a man with a common touch and high ideals. With Tom, you always knew you were with someone who would fight--who was with you until the end regardless of the odds or the politics of the matter. As I reflect on his time in the Congress, I remember a man who understood what it meant to bring the values of his constituents to Washington. When his district changed from being predominantly white to overwhelmingly African-American, I remember how Tom made that transition so effortlessly--how he worked to establish himself with his new constituents and make sure they knew that representing them--their hopes, their dreams--was his number one priority. They learned what we all knew--that whether you had just met Tom or knew him for decades, when he looked you in the eye and gave his word, you had his word. You took it home. And nothing represented that commitment like the way he fought to keep the Philadelphia Navy Yard open. Even as everyone believed it was sure to close, Tom continued to bring back Federal money to the yard-- much, as I understand, to the surprise of even the Navy itself. But it was what he did once the Commission finally decided to close the yard that showed Tom Foglietta was not only a man of the people but also a man of real vision. First, he went down to that yard and announced the closing before a sea of angry workers. I think everyone in this body understands how extraordinary that can be--facing the people head-on, delivering bad news. Then, while others were still in denial, Tom put all his efforts into doing something even the shipyard workers had not yet embraced. Rather than fighting what he knew was a losing battle to keep the yard open, he went ahead, full-steam, to transform it into an economic resource for the community--a technology and business incubator--and secured a $50 million appropriation for the yard's conversion. Today, that yard employs 6,000 Philadelphians--some of whom even use the old docks to work on ships. Nobody believed it was possible. But Tom Foglietta did. Whether it was modernizing the shipyard or involving the Army Corps of Engineers when an African-American neighborhood in Philadelphia had homes that were literally sinking into the ground, he knew that fighting for people was not just a matter of perseverance. That it was also a matter of foresight, creativity and vision. A fellow Italian-American, Tom and I often discussed how it was our parents' example serving on our respective city councils--his in Philadelphia, mine in New Haven--that inspired us to enter a life of politics and give back to the communities that had given us so much. He knew that preserving our heritage was a matter of values, which is why as a Member of Congress he took on the fight back home to create Christopher Columbus Boulevard in south Philly. When he become Ambassador to Italy, Tom made and kept a commitment to visit every province in Italy. To Tom, Italy was not some foreign place--it was his new district. When the First Lady introduced the Save America's Treasures project, Tom worked to raise private funds to preserve Christopher Columbus' childhood home in Genoa. In truth, it would not be the last time his passion for the job would make officials in the State Department crazy. I will never forget his signature moment--when he knelt down in prayer for the victims in the Cavalese cable-car tragedy, sending a powerful message to the world that America weeps for the sons and daughters of its allies are as if they were our very own. In turn, the Italian people loved him as he loved them. Throughout his entire career, whether it was his work in Italy, to secure the peace in Haiti or to forge democracy in South Korea, Tom Foglietta understood that America's role in the world was rooted in moral leadership--in common values, humility and humanity. I will miss his moral leadership--we all will. But perhaps above all, I will miss his friendship. I will miss eating pasta with gravy, his cooking in my kitchen and those dinners with the gang--with Tom and Nancy Pelosi, Barbara Boxer, Dick Durbin, Sam Gedjenson, Chuck Schumer, Anna Eshoo, Tom Downey, George Miller, and Marty Russo. We could always rely on Tom to do something to spice the night up--whether it was something he would say or him hiring a ragtag band to play a party that only he could love. He was fun--he was warm. He was our friend. Grazi, Don Tomaso--your passion for people knew no bounds. For that, you will forever be in our hearts.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and fond memories that I rise today to pay tribute to the life of an outstanding member of the New Haven, Connecticut, The Honorable Robin Kroogman. Robin's life was cut tragically short when she lost her battle with cancer in late October of this year. She was a dear friend and I, along with many in the New Haven community, will always remember her for her kind heart and endless generosity. A member of New Haven's Board of Alderman for sixteen years, Robin was well-known for her tireless advocacy. As a local legislator she fought diligently for the Fair Haven neighborhood and its residents, bringing the community through some of its most challenging times. She was responsible for the creation of the Board's Public Safety Committee which she also chaired. During her tenure, she introduced legislation and resolutions dealing with a variety of issues from community development to environmental justice. She was a true leader who also acted as a mentor for newly elected legislators even after she left the Board in 2003. For thirty years Robin served as a fund-raiser, organizer, and adviser to candidates for municipal, state, and federal offices. Many of those who serve in elected office today representing New Haven benefitted from her guidance and counsel. Robin was always there to lend a helping hand. She was also known for her advocacy of animal rights, recognized by organizations like the Friends of the New Haven Animal Shelter for her good work. Robin made a difference in everything that she did--touching the lives of many. She left an indelible mark on our community which will be remembered and cherished. Advocate, leader, mentor, and friend, Robin exemplified all that a public servant should be. I was indeed honored to have called her my friend. Though saddened beyond words by her passing, I am proud to stand today to pay tribute to Robin Kroogman whose indomitable spirit has left a legacy which will continue to inspire all those who knew her.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding member of the community of Naugatuck, Connecticut, Franklin Johnson. Frank recently celebrated his eightieth birthday and it is for that milestone that I stand today to extend to him my sincere congratulations. It is not often that you find an individual who dedicates a lifetime of professional and volunteer service to his community. It is individuals such as these that make a real difference in the lives of others. Throughout his lifetime, Frank has been just this kind of citizen. Born and raised in the Borough of Naugatuck, he has always demonstrated a unique dedication to public service--especially to our veterans and young people. After graduating from high school, Frank enlisted in the Army serving his nation in the D-Day invasion, the liberation of Paris, and the Battle of the Bulge. His dedication to the men and women of America's armed services have never wavered. For over fifty years, Frank has ensured that their dedication--especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice--is remembered and honored with a ceremony which is held at Naugatuck High School the Friday before Memorial Day. Frank has also served as the Post Commander of American Legion Post 17 and, for the last sixteen years, as the Chairman of the Naugatuck Veterans Council, has been responsible for the organization and production of the Naugatuck Memorial Day Parade. Through all of his outstanding work, Frank has ensured that the service and courage of our veterans as well as that of the brave men and women who currently serve in our nation's armed forces, is remembered with the respect and dignity they so richly deserve. I have often spoke of our nation's need for talented, creative individuals willing to help our children learn and grow. In the course of his thirty-eight year career at Naugatuck High School as a teacher, guidance counselor, and administrator, Frank was just that kind of educator. His professional life was dedicated to helping our young people access and obtain the tools and skills they would need as they pursued their own dreams. This year, as he celebrates his eightieth birthday, Frank can reflect on his lifetime of invaluable contributions with pride. We are fortunate indeed to have such a dedicated individual whose generosity and compassion has touched the lives of so many. I am proud to stand today to join his wife, Jeanne, his children, grandchildren, family, friends, and the Naugatuck community in wishing Franklin Johnson the very best as he celebrates his eightieth year. He has left an indelible mark on this community and a legacy which is sure to inspire others for generations to come. Frank Johnson is a true community treasure. HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRANK!

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a former Member of this body and friend who passed away this week, someone who left a profound mark on his community, his Nation, and this institution. Whether it was his dedication to our friends in the international community or the working people in his own community, Tom Foglietta was special, a man with a common touch and high ideals. With Tom we always knew he was someone who would fight, who was with us to the end regardless of the odds or the politics of the matter. His fight to keep the Philadelphia Navy Yard open is legendary. As I reflect on his time in the Congress, I remember a man who understood what it meant to bring the values of his constituents to Washington. A fellow Italian American, Tom and I often discussed how it was our parents' example serving on respective city councils, his in Philadelphia, mine in New Haven, that inspired us to enter a life of politics and give back to the communities that had given us so much. Living out his lifelong dream as an ambassador to Italy, I will never forget how he knelt down in prayer for the victims in the Cavalese cable car tragedy, sending a powerful message to the world that America weeps for the sons and daughters of its allies as if they were our very own. In turn, the Italian people loved him as he loved them. Throughout his career, whether it was his work in Italy, to secure the peace in Haiti, to forge a democracy in South Korea, Tom Foglietta understood that America's role in the world was rooted in moral leadership, in common values, humility and humanity. I will miss so many things about our friendship, dinners with the gang, eating pasta with gravy, his cooking in my kitchen. I will miss his friendship, his moral leadership. We all will. Grazi, Don Tomaso. His passion for people knew no bounds. For that he will forever be in our hearts.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join family and friends in paying tribute to one of our community's most outstanding citizens and my dear friend, E. William Iovanne, Jr. In recognition of his invaluable contributions to our community, Bill is to be honored with the coveted Charles Carroll of Carrolton Award-- the highest honor given to a Catholic layman by the Fourth Degree, Knights of Columbus. Through his generosity and compassion, Bill has touched the lives of thousands and I cannot think of a more deserving individual for such a prestigious honor. Each year, this medal is presented by the John Barry Assembly, Knights of Columbus, to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the welfare of the church, his or her parish, and the community at large. Throughout his life, Bill has dedicated both his professional and personal time to enriching the lives of others. As a member of the New Haven business community he has earned our respect and as a member of the Wooster Square community he has gained our affection. Born in New Haven, Connecticut's Fair Haven neighborhood, Bill graduated from Notre Dame High School and pursued a career in the funeral business established by his father. The Iovanne Funeral Home has been a fixture in Wooster Square since 1928. For more than seventy- five years, Bill Iovanne and his family have reached out to families in need, helping them cope with the pain of loss. With a combination of compassion and professionalism, Bill has long been known for making a most difficult period, a bit easier. Beyond his professional career, Bill is also an active and involved member of our community. Well known for his work with a number of local service organizations, Bill has always demonstrated a unique combination of civic commitment and enthusiastic volunteerism. For anyone who has seen his comic routine pantomiming the late bandleader Louis Prima, which has been lent to numerous fund-raising efforts, his enthusiasm and heart-felt good will is undeniable. The Sacred Heart Academy, St. Michael's Church, the Society of St. Maria Maddalena, the Saint Andrew Apostle Society, Connecticut Hospice, and the Campania Club are just a few of the organizations which have benefitted from Bill's good work. It has been through these efforts that he has made such a difference in the lives of others. There is one family that I know has been touched by Bill's generosity and spirit: my family. The Iovannes and DeLauros have a long history. For my mother, father, and me, the Iovannes have been trusted friends, steadfast supporters, and always a part of our extended family--the type of people who are always there with a kind word or a helping hand. I cannot thank Bill enough for the special friendship we have shared over the years. Throughout his life, Bill has embodied the very spirit in which this prestigious award is bestowed. For his innumerable contributions to our community and in recognition of his outstanding generosity to others, I am proud to stand today to join his children: William and his wife Angeline; Richard and his wife Susan; and Beth Ann and her husband Joseph, grandchildren: Christina and Alec, family, friends, and the New Haven community in extending my sincere congratulations to my dear friend, E. William Iovanne, Jr. as he is honored with the Charles Carroll of Carrolton Award. His is a legacy that will continue to touch the lives of others for generations to come.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join the National Endowment of the Arts in congratulating Professor Vincent Scully as he receives a 2004 National Medal of Arts. One of our Nation's foremost architectural historians, Professor Scully has not only developed a renowned reputation as a historian, but as an educator and mentor as well. Over the last two decades, the National Medal of Arts has been awarded in recognition of the extraordinary accomplishments of those engaged in the creation and production of the arts in the United States. Both as an educator and author, Professor Scully has deeply influenced the world of architecture by highlighting its social value. Defining architecture as a ``continuing dialogue between generations that creates an environment across time,'' Professor Scully has taught thousands of architects, planners, art historians, and politicians that architecture is not simply the design of a building, but how that design adds to the character of a community or environment. Professor Scully's illustrious career began when he enrolled at Yale University at the age of sixteen. After completing his undergraduate studies, he accepted a position with the University and, through his unique teaching style, became one of its most popular professors. His standing room only lectures could boast five hundred students--filling the largest lecture hall on campus. In speaking of his former professor, the New Yorker's Paul Goldberger said, ``His thinking has always been based on the notion that architecture is not purely aesthetics, and that the real meaning is how it can be used to make better places.'' It has been through this vision that Professor Scully has had the greatest influence on the arts--passing it on to generations of scholars and students. For his invaluable contributions to the arts and in recognition of his lifetime of achievement, I am proud to stand today and extend my sincere congratulations to Professor Vincent Scully as he is awarded the National Medal of Arts. His is a legacy which will continue to inspire others for generations to come.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to join the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce and the entire Valley community in extending my sincere congratulations to the Kerite Company of Seymour, Connecticut as they celebrate their 150th Anniversary. One of the oldest wire and cable companies in the United States, this is a remarkable milestone for this company which has become a true community landmark. Founded in 1854 by Austin Goodyear Day, Kerite has long been a leader in the development and production of utility transmission and distribution power cables as well as industrial power cables. The innovations credited to Kerite have marked unparalleled technological advancements--with each new technology bringing the dawn of a new era, not only in the industry but in our society as well. The 1865 invention of the crosshead extruder by A.G. DeWolfe Kerite resulted in the first insulated telegraph wire. Kerite introduced the signal cable for railroads and was responsible for the first submarine power cable as well as for cable supplied to the Panama Canal. As the needs of industry changed, Kerite has adapted itself to provide quality products to its consumers. In modern history, the Kerite Company introduced the first 69 kilovolt and the first 138 kilovolt power cables and are responsible for the longest and deepest submarine power cable project in North America. I had the opportunity to visit the Kerite Company in August of last year. Nestled in the Seymour community, the company has preserved much of its history in an onsite museum. While touring the facility, I was also able to develop a better understanding of the technology they are employing today. Through their continued commitment to providing quality and superior performance, the Kerite Company has developed an international reputation for service and value. It is this dedication that has allowed them to withstand the toughest test of all--the test of time. For a century and a half, Kerite has been a pioneer in its industry and with its distinguished reputation has been a source of pride for the Seymour and Valley communties. Today, as the Kerite Company celebrates its past and looks ahead to the future, I am proud to stand and congratulate them on their 150th Anniversary and extend my very best wishes to them for many more years of success.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to two individuals from my state who have played a major role in the war in Iraq. Judith and Larry Moore, both civilians from Somers, Connecticut, played a very special role in the war effort. As everyone knows, it happens rarely but occasionally that military spouses are simultaneously deployed. Christopher and Bryony Soltis, both Army doctors, were sent to Iraq last year with the Army's 1st Armored Division. With a new child in tow, it was a difficult time. The entire family was separated for over a year as Christopher and Bryony cared for wounded soldiers and civilians in Baghdad. They turned to Christopher's mother and stepfather to care for their 7-month-old daughter, Madeline. Judy and Larry Moore were up to the task. Together, Judith and Larry provided an environment in which Maddie thrived. They cared for Madeline every day from August 2003 to July 2004 while her parents were deployed. They put photos of her parents throughout the house, read her letters from afar, and reminded her daily that her parents would come home soon. Christopher and Bryony came home in late July 2004 to find their baby had grown into a loving, well-adjusted, beautiful toddler. I am told that Maddie recognized them immediately and ran to their arms when they arrived home. Judy Moore knows full well the toll that deployment can take. She is a remarkable woman who has contributed enormously to her country. She served as a U.S. Air Force nurse from 1958-1960 and cared for Turkish prisoners while living abroad with her late husband, Lt. Colonel Ronald Soltis, a U.S. Air Force pilot. After more than 19 years of active duty service, LTC Soltis died suddenly in a tragic training accident, leaving behind Mrs. Moore and their three children. Larry Moore is a retired small businessman who ran his own auto repair shop before retiring. Although he has considerable back pain from spinal stenosis, Larry provided ``sole care'' for Maddie when Judy broke her arm after a fall on an icy road during the winter. By all accounts, he succeeded fantastically. Mr. Speaker, all Americans should share the pride that I feel for the Moore and Soltis families. They represent the best of American military service, our responsibility to our children, and our willingness to sacrifice in times of national need.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend and a Washington legend, Judith Lichtman, who recently stepped down as president of the National Partnership of Women & Families after 30 years at its helm. Judy has been at the forefront of the women's movement for more than 30 years, and used her considerable talents as a lawyer and a strategic mind to transform the National Partnership, originally the Women's Legal Defense Fund from a small volunteer group to a national organization with thousands of members and a reputation for taking on the tough issues and delivering results. Judy's vision, and the National Partnership's strength and direct leadership, led to the passage of some of the most important legal protections for American women and families, including the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 and the Family and Medical Leave Act, FMLA, of 1993. In 1996, the National Partnership helped shape key provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, HIPAA, that make it easier for women and their families to get and keep health coverage. More recently, Judy led efforts to promote patient protections and to bring paid family and medical leave to California. I am proud to have worked with her in drafting the Healthy Families Act, which will ensure that Americans have at least seven days of sick leave a year. Judy has been recognized by civic and legal organizations, business and labor leaders, and others for her strategic abilities, political savvy, effectiveness in creating powerful and diverse coalitions, and most importantly, her tireless commitment to building a truly just society. Judy has always been a great support to me in drafting legislation to improve women's economic security, and I could also rely on her for creative ideas and sage advice. The National Partnership for Women & Families will now be in the very able hands of Debra Ness, with Judy serving as a Senior Advisor. The lives of men, women and children across this nation have been enriched by Judy's work over the last three decades, and I know her change in title will not change her commitment to the cause. I wish Judy the best of luck in this new phase of life, and thank her for her dedication over the years.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join the West Haven Federation of Teachers and School Nurses in honoring a very special member of our community--Mary Moninger-Elia. Teacher, advocate, mentor, and friend, Mary has exemplified all that a community leader should be and through her efforts has made a difference in the lives of many. Our teachers are a vital resource for all of our communities. By giving our children the tools and skills they will need--the foundation on which our young people will build their future success--the contributions teachers make to our children's lives is invaluable. I have often spoke of our nation's need for talented, creative educators ready to help our children learn and grow. Mary was just that kind of teacher. Mary began her career at West Haven High School where she spent 25 years teaching Home Economics. During her tenure, one of her most interesting additions to the curriculum was the creation of a very successful preschool program. The program paired 3 and 4 year old children with the high school students and served as a tool to teach students how to interact with toddlers. With many students having aspirations of becoming teachers and parents, this innovative approach was a first step in preparing for what one can expect from such young children. After 25 years with high school students, Mary decided to move to a different age group. She moved to Bailey Middle School where she taught both Study Skills and Social Science until her retirement just 2 years ago. Throughout her career, Mary touched the lives of thousands of students, helping them to realize their potential and make their dreams a reality. In addition to her daily professional contributions, Mary has long been a staunch advocate for teachers and education. She has worked with legislators at every level of government to ensure that their concerns and needs were heard. She was elected to serve on the Connecticut AFL- CIO Executive Board and the Greater New Haven Labor Council. But perhaps where she had the greatest impact was through her 24 year tenure as the President of the West Haven Federation of Teachers and School Nurses--the longest consecutive term of any president of any American Federation of Teachers Local in Connecticut. Her diligence, commitment and dedication earned her a distinguished reputation throughout Connecticut. In fact just prior to her stepping down in June of this year, Mary was honored by the Connecticut branch of the American Federation of Teachers with the prestigious Unionist of the Year Award--the highest such honor bestowed by the organization. We have certainly been fortunate to have an individual like Mary working so hard, not only on behalf of our students, but for our teachers and our education system as well. For her many contributions and outstanding service, I am proud to stand today to join the West Haven Federation of Teachers and School Nurses, family, friends, and colleagues in extending my sincere thanks and appreciation to Mary Moninger-Elia for her lifetime of good work. Hers is a legacy that will continue to live on through the many lives she has touched.